What To See In New Orleans Before The Cruise
While your cruise from New Orleans will be the highlight of your holiday, the city has a lot to offer as well.
We suggest you reach New Orleans a few days before the start date of your cruise and take in all the history and fun the city offers.
A few of the must-experience attractions in New Orleans are the French Quarter district, Jackson Square, the National World War II Museum and St. Louis Cathedral.
In the evenings head out to the bars on Bourbon Street and the casino of Harrahs New Orleans.
If you have kids in tow, dont miss out on the streetcars.
Cruises Out Of New Orleans Louisiana
| There are 152 cruises that depart from New Orleans, LA in the year 2022. Just two cruise lines offer cruises that leave out of New Orleans in 2022 Carnival and Norwegian .You can see New Orleans cruise schedule for 2022 in the table below. Be sure to look at the $/Day column to find cheap New Orleans cruise deals in 2022. |
| Departure |
New Orleans Cruise Guide
New Orleans is a popular departure port for cruises sailing to the tropical islands of the Caribbean, and the historic Panama Canal. Nicknamed Big Easy for its vibrant jazz and street music scene, this is a lively city to explore before embarking on a Carnival, Crystal, Disney, Norwegian or Royal Caribbean cruise, which all port here.
If youre lucky, you can catch a cruise before or after the two-week festivities of Mardi Gras, that typically occur between February and March, 47 days before Easter. Mardi Gras is the biggest carnival of the year that shows off the citys rich traditions, with crazy costumes, intricate masks, and ‘throws’ to catch and collect. If youre missing it, dont fret – theres always something going on in the city. Carnival season begins on January sixth and hundreds of festivals follow, so youre almost guaranteed to be part of the action.
When youre done exploring the lively New Orleans, continue the party onboard a cruise, available all year round from this port.
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Where Do Cruises From New Orleansgo To
One thing is for sure: a cruise from New Orleans will be an eventful, colourful affair from start to finish.
If youre cruising in February, once youve finally wrapped up after the festivities of Mardi Gras and boarded your cruise ship, youll be thrilled to land on your next destinations, which are usually in the Western Caribbean. So prepare yourself for some island-hopping: you can find your perfect thrill at the adventure rides in CocoCay or lounge on unspoiled beaches at Cozumel, Mexico. Popular among nature explorers and history enthusiasts are Roatan, the largest of the Honduras Islands, and Belize City, where you can find ancient ruins attributed to the Mayan civilisations.
Cruises from New Orleans also hit the Nassau and the Grand Bahama Island, the former a lively hotspot of upbeat vacation lovers and the latter a more mellow, laid-back destination for those who need some peace and quiet from all the bustle on their ship.
Pre And Post Cruise Options In New Orleans
Cruising from New Orleans is like adding another port of call to your itinerary. Many cruise passengers stay a few days before or after their cruise to experience the citys culture, cuisine and nightlife. Here are some suggestions:
The French Quarter: Occupying the same six by thirteen block area laid out in 1722, its the only intact French Colonial and Spanish settlement remaining in the United States. Walk down Bourbon Street lined with numerous bars, jazz clubs. Linger in Jackson Square, , and marvel at its historic buildings the St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest continuously active cathedral in the United States and The Cabildo, site of the signing of the Louisiana Purchase. From the beautiful architecture to art galleries, museums, and restaurants, the French Quarter has something for everyone.
Plantation Tours: One excellent one to consider is the Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. Enjoy a Grand Southern Mansion surrounded by the Souths most beautiful gardens. Catch a glimpse of the way life was in the early 1800â²s when sugar was king and Houmas House was the largest sugar plantation in the world.
Audubon Aquarium & Zoo: This is one of the countrys top-ranked zoos offering an exotic mix of animals from around the globe in natural habitats. At the aquarium, walk beneath the vivid Caribbean Reef, feed a stingray, or become an Adventure Island explorer and journey the Mississippi River.
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Carnival Cruise Line Cancels First Return Sailing From New Orleans
Carnival Cruise Line cancels the first return cruise of Carnival Glory out of New Orleans due to the impact of Hurricane Ida.
With the state of Louisiana impacted by Hurricane Ida, including New Orleans, Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled its first return sailing out of the Port of New Orleans on September 5, 2021.
Faq About Cruising From The New Orleans Cruise Port
Where do cruises leave from New Orleans?
The Port of New Orleans is located at 1350 Port of New Orleans Place. Cruise ships will leave from either one of two terminals: Julia Street and Erato Street .Once the cruise ships leave the Port of New Orleans, itll take about 7-8 hours to travel along the Mississippi before getting to the Gulf of Mexico and international waters.
Where is the best location to stay in New Orleans?
Any of the hotels within walking distance are great places to stay. However, our top recommendation is the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, located at 2 Poydras St.Why that one? First, it is super close to the cruise port . But the amazing thing about them is while many hotels charge extra for the park & cruise packages, this hotel automatically gives you a 20% discount on your room just for being a cruise traveler.They also provide you with cruise parking at a heavily discounted rate of $13 per night , which is a steal. They dont have a shuttle for the port, but being so close to the terminal you arent going to need it.
How Long is a Typical Cruise from New Orleans?
The average length of a cruise shipping out from New Orleans is 7 nights. There are a select few that are either shorter or longer, but 7 nights is the typical cruise length.
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Which Cruise Lines Sail From New Orleans
The Port of New Orleans harbours many renowned cruise lines that deliver one-of-a-kind experiences in their own style. You will find some of the best New Orleans cruise trips with the following cruise lines:
- American Queen Steamboat Company
- American Cruise Line
These are some of the top-notch cruise lines that you can go for if youre cruising from New Orleans. A Norwegian Cruise trip would be perfect for romantic getaways. Disney Cruises are designed to be kid-friendly and have all those Disneyland vibes onboard. A journey with American Cruise Line is the go-to for solo trips, while the Carnival Cruise Line is great for having friends and family onboard.
Cruises Embark Out Of New Orleans Days After Cdc Warning
NEW ORLEANS – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging people not to travel on cruise ships because of a surge of COVID-19 cases aboard the ships.
The agency raised its threat level from 3 to 4 on Thursday , indicating the risk for becoming infected with COVID-19 on cruise ships is very high.
Many passengers arriving back to the Port of New Orleans on Sunday said they were unaware of the CDCs heightened alert, having spent the past seven days at sea.
I still would have gone on the cruise regardless, said Chad Stout, who disembarked from the Carnival Glory. It is what it is. Ive had COVID. I got the shot.
Passengers also arrived at the port Sunday morning to board those same ships for their afternoon departures. Some said they were aware of the warning, but that it was simply too late to cancel without penalty or financial loss.
Neil and Dawn Schoon, from Denver, were among dozens of passengers lined up Sunday to get rapid-tested ahead of boarding the Norwegian Breakaway.
It is what it is, Neil Schoon said. If we didnt take the cruise, were out our money.
Ive been watching my email like a hawk, waiting for Norwegian to say its canceled, Dawn Schoon said.
Health educator Dr. Eric Griggs said with the Omicron variant so transmissible even among vaccinated people, its no surprise so many outbreaks have been reported on cruise ships over the last few weeks.
Its a closed, shared space for over a long period of time, said Dr. Griggs.
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Park & Cruise Hotels Near The Port Of New Orleans
The following list of hotels all have some sort of package for cruise guests that either offer parking during a cruise, shuttles to and from the terminal, or both. For more New Orleans parking tips check our dedicated article.
Parking only:
- Holiday Inn Downtown Superdome 8 nights free
- The Queen Anne Hotel 7 nights free, must bookminimum of 2 nights for package
- Prytania Park Hotel 7 nights free, must bookminimum of 2 nights for package
- Prytania Oaks Hotel 7 nights free, must bookminimum of 2 nights for package
- Holiday Inn New Orleans West Bank Tower Freeparking for entire cruise duration
- Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter 7 nightsfree
- Maison St. Charles 7 nights free, $15 eachadditional night
- Ramada by Wyndham Metairie New Orleans Airport Free parking for entire cruise duration
Parking & Shuttle:
American Queen Steamboat Company
American Queen Steamboat Company offers a variety of cruises lasting four to 12 nights aboard its American Queen steamboat. Several cruise itineraries are round-trip from New Orleans, while some are one-way with an end destination of Memphis or St. Louis. Types of cruises available include history and culture, blues and barbecue, spring pilgrimage, big band music, Dixie festival and holiday voyages. According to the company website, the American Queen is the largest boat of its kind ever built, with six decks and staterooms ranging from 80 to 500 square feet. While cruising, you can enjoy nightly entertainment shows, dancing, calliope concerts and excellent cuisine from culinary director and chef, Regina Charboneau.
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Traveling To The New Orleans Cruise Port
The Louis Armstrong International Airport is approximately 17 miles from the cruise terminal complex. Allow approximately 45 minutes travel time. Shared shuttle service to the pier is $13 per person and can be arranged at the kiosk located in the baggage area of the airport. Taxis are always lined up outside and charge a flat fee of $28 for the first two persons, $12 per person for three or more.
The Julia Street Cruise Terminal Complex building includes a four level, 1,000 car garage that offers the passenger convenient covered parking in a fully secure environment. Parking cost $14 per day, cash or credit card. Porters greet the passenger on the first floor of parking and check their luggage before parking. After parking, the passengers take the central elevators direct to the second floor embarkation deck to check in and board the cruise ship.
Cruise Terminals In New Orleans Port
Located behind the New Orleans Convention Center on the Mississippi, the New Orleans Port has two terminals the Erato Street Cruise Terminal and .
Both these terminals are conveniently situated close to hotels and for tourist activities in the city.
If you are flying into the city for your cruise from New Orleans, be aware that the Louis Armstrong International Airport is approximately 27 Kms from the cruise terminals.
On a normal day, this distance can be traveled in approximately 45 minutes.
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Downtown New Orleans Is Within Walking Distance Of The Cruise Port
Another advantage that the New Orleans Cruise Port has above others is its proximity to downtown New Orleans. No matter which terminal youre parked at, just take a few steps toward the city and youll land right on downtown streets.
Once downtown, you can go anywhere you want and not miss athing. Youll find three main districts downtown: the Warehouse District, theGarden District, and the French Quarter. Inside each district youll findrestaurants, museums, and attractions that you should visit.
Garden District
About 2-3 miles southwest of the terminal is the GardenDistrict. Take a stroll up and down the streets of this gorgeous district andlet the peaceful vibes melt away any stress you may have. Within youll findVictorian structures still standing, gorgeous mansions, and a variety of cafes,shops, and museums.
Here are a few locations you should visit in the GardenDistrict:
- Surreys Café and Juice Bar
- New Orleans Ballet Theatre
- The Dryades Theater
Warehouse District
The Warehouse District is directly across the street from the Julia Street Cruise Terminal and has a lot to offer anyone walking up and down its streets.
Also called the Arts District, you should expect to findmany museums and art galleries here, along with numerous shopping and diningopportunities. This district is described as a place where the past and thepresent meet up for drinks while the future texts Im on my way.
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Sample The Flavors Of The Old South
The Lower Mississippi overflows with charm, history and hospitality. Explore historic estates, and visit notable Civil War sites. Sample the bustling French-flavored port cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Sway to the tempos of Dixieland jazz, gospel and blues. Savor gourmet Cajun and Creole cuisine, as well as traditional Southern fare. Join us, and see why local Cajuns say, Laissez les bons temps rouler .
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The Best Cruises From New Orleans
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Bourbon Street, New Orleans
Getty
One appeal of taking a cruise from the Port of New Orleans is being able to take advantage of pre-cruise or post-cruise stays in a city unparalleled for its unique mix of cuisine, entertainment, and laid-back Louisiana lifestyle.
The Big Easy offers visitors the chance to stroll along the historic French Quarter, which is always brimming with nightlifeor discover the galleries and museums in the Arts District. You can even take a streetcar ride on the oldest continuing operating line in the world. Of course, this might include stops to sample a beignet at the famed Café du Monde or chomp on a fried oyster po boy.
New Orleans is a wonderful city for cruisers, says Colleen McDaniel, senior executive editor of Cruise Critic. The port offers easy embarkation and disembarkation so passengers can spend their time doing things they love rather than waiting in lines.
Here are some of the best cruises embarking from New Orleansthe sixth largest cruise port in the America and a perfect departure point for a Caribbean cruise.
Cruise Line: Crystal Cruises | Ship: Crystal Symphony to Miami
Crystal Symphony
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More Cruise Lines Are Planning Trips From New Orleans See What’s Coming Back And What Isn’t
The Carnival Glory cruise ship docks after Hurricane Ida in New Orleans, La., Friday, Sept. 3, 2021. ORG XMIT: BAT2109031658290152
More cruise ship operators are setting plans for sailings from U.S. ports in the coming months, including the four lines that left regularly from the Port of New Orleans before the COVID-19 pandemic.
That’s offered some hope to local port and hospitality officials, even if all of the ships that once plied the Mississippi River before heading towards tropical destinations aren’t yet staging a return locally.
Cruise ship traffic from the port resumed last month, when Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Glory restarted its Caribbean cruise sailings from Sep. 19, a few weeks later than expected because of Hurricane Ida.
On another positive note, a second Carnival vessel, the Carnival Valor, will resume sailing from Nov. 1 with four- and five-day round-trip cruises to Cozumel and Progreso in Mexico, Vance Gulliksen, Carnival spokesman confirmed. Like its sister ship Glory, the Valor will be running at about 70% passenger capacity, which normally is just under 3,000 on each ship.
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Carnival Glory To Resume Sailing On September 19 After Housing Emergency Workers
Carnival Cruise Line said Tuesday that Carnival Glory will sail from Port of New Orleans on Sunday, Sept. 19 on a seven-day cruise to The Baha
Though cruise ship sailings have been slowly resuming since the CDC regime was agreed in June, there have been setbacks for the industry, including the death of one passenger in August who had contracted COVID-19 while on a cruise from Galveston, Texas to Belize.
Also, more recently, dozens of passengers who had been on an American Queen Voyages river cruise that departed from Port Nola tested positive for the virus.
The CDC had been reluctant to lift restrictions on the cruise-line industry because it said that the conditions onboard, with so many people in close proximity for an extended period of time, was conducive to spreading the air borne disease.
Port Of Departure New Orleans Louisiana
New Orleans, The Big EasyNew Orleans Cruise Ship TerminalsErato Cruise TerminalCruises From New OrleansThings To Do Near New Orleans Cruise PortJackson SquareBourbon StreetMoonwalkSt Louis Cemetery #1St Charles St StreetcarGetting To The Cruise PortFrom Louis Armstrong International Airport Cruise Port Map
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